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Los Angeles Galaxy: What Happened In 2009?
How the Galaxy suffered adversity to achieve the Western Conference Championship and fell short at the finals.
Dec 18, 2009 2:39:03 AM
It was an inauspicious start for the Galaxy as they went 1-1-4 in their first six games of the 2009 season. Their struggles were partly due to the fresh new faces unable to find a common ground on the field. Over a dozen new players were brought to the team by head coach and general manager Bruce Arena, who coached his first full season with the Galaxy in 2009. He was recruited late last season to replace head coach Ruud Gullit and general manager Alexi Lalas.
Arena acknowledged that the struggling team still had some kinks to fix and that it would take some time before the team could get coordinated. Moreover, the skipper remained confident and optimistic the team would overcome their on-field woes.
However, the team's despair was not only due to new management and an uncoordinated batch of players, there was a long list of things that went wrong.
What Went Wrong?
Right from the beginning of the season, players were victims of injury. Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts suffered a groin injury, defender Todd Dunivant remained out as he recovered from off-season ankle surgery, forward Edson Buddle rehabbed a right quad strain, midfielder Eddie Lewis nursed a left hamstring strain, and this is just a few names from the long list of injuries.
As the season rolled along onto May, the Galaxy suffered a major loss as 2008 MLS rookie of the year, defender Sean Franklin endured a torn right hamstring tendon that required surgery and put him out for roughly four months.
As the season went forth, a cloud of controversy overshadowed the team.
The ugly feud between Beckham and Donovan started when inserts from Grant Wahl's book "Beckham Experiment: How the World's Most Famous Athlete Tried to Conquer America," were released. There, Landon Donovan made statements questioning the Englishman's commitment to the MLS and Galaxy.
This could not have come a worse time for David Beckham. He was on vacation following his long loan stint with AC Milan. Donovan acknowledged that, "The timing of it makes it a little awkward and seemingly uncomfortable."
Donovan strongly affirmed that he did not regret what he said, but instead, regretted the fashion in which it came out. This was a personal issue between two professional men, and as a result, thanks to Donovan who instead ranted to Wahl, it became a frenzy of controversy and a media circus.
Not only had the English international entered the spot light of controversy following Donovan comments over his commitment, but fans were still outraged from his long departure with AC Milan.
On his first return to the Home Depot Center, he was greeted with jeers and signs directing him to go home using rather colorful language. Furthermore, while taking a corner kick a fan crossed the line of heckling that ultimately led to a confrontation. The fan was arrested for trespassing after jumping from the bleachers onto the field. However, the bigger shock did not come until the 2009 MLS Cup final.
There is only one expression Galaxy fans had that Sunday in November, and that was complete and utter flabbergast, as Real Salt Lake pulled off the shock of the season by winning the Cup.
There was a nasty collision between goalie Donovan Ricketts and RSL striker Robbie Findley, which resulted in Ricketts breaking his hand. Ricketts decided to stay in the game – a move that may have cost Los Angeles the Cup.
If you look at the video of RSL Robbie Findley's goal, Ricketts is on the ground following a would-be save that was blocked by his defender. As he got up he put all his weight on his injured hand and dove for a save. I do not question his commitment: it appears he did not get full extension of his arm as he was in an insignificant amount of pain. As he fell, he was clutching onto his hand. This goal sent the game into overtime and eventually into the dreaded shootout.
This was anybody's game, it could go either way. But no one, not even RSL could have fathomed what was to come. Landon Donovan missed his PK! The MLS Most Valuable Player missed his PK! The six time Player of the Year missed his PK! The expression on his face following this disaster said it all. He did well by taking off his captain armband.
Josh Saunders (who replaced Ricketts following the RSL goal) did a valiant job protecting the net, but RSL goalie Nick Rimando was too good. Robbie Russell got the game winning goal and Real Salt Lake won their first MLS Cup.
What Went Right?
Though it took fan a while to forgive Beckham for his long departure, the club was ecstatic to have him. His return was a long awaited and long anticipated homecoming. Partly because over half the roster had never suited up with Beckham and were excited to play by his side.
Forward Alecko Eskandarian could not help but acknowledge what a great passer the Englishman was and admitted to being caught "flat-footed" after one of his passes.
Fellow midfield Chris Klein also recognized the incredible boost a world class player would bring to the club. All-in-all, everyone was excited to have Beckham back on the squad.
However, the public quickly learned to forgive and forget the midfielder as the Galaxy started winning games.
Following the All Star game at the end of July, the Galaxy went on an incredible run going 6-4-2. These late season heroic were just enough to earn them a place in the playoffs and edge out the Houston Dynamo to win the Western Conference Championship and have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
To add further icing on the cake, Landon Donovan was awarded his sixth Honda Player of the Year Award; a prize awarded to the best and brightest American international player of the year. This award ultimately makes him the American player of the decade. The trophy did not rest alone on the shelf for long as he was later named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player.
To further affirm the Galaxy's place in the playoffs, defender Omar Gonzalez was named the League's rookie of the year. This marked the second straight rookie of the year award to the Galaxy, Sean Franklin winning in the previous year.
Furthermore, head honcho Bruce Arena was named the 2009 coach of the year. All was going well for the Galaxy; however, there was still one award that eluded them – the MLS Cup.
What Should The Team Do Differently?
The only thing the organization should do differently is re-sign all their players. Last season had a rocky start mainly because of all the new faces on the squad. It always takes time for a new squad or a rebuilding team to find their groove on the field.
It took the team over half a season to find their winning ways. They are now comfortable with each other on the field and that is a special thing that should not be taken away. The rebuilding process is over. The team is set.
And, should a player have beef with a fellow teammate, he would do wise to not rant to a reporter but instead settle the issues with the other in closed doors.
What Changes Will Be Made?
Unlike last year, which was a rebuilding year, this year they will be set. There will be no testing-out phase when the team tries to find its stride. There are a lot of returning players and the only thing they have to focus on is staying healthy over the off-season break.
This was a major problem for them in last year's start and they would be wise to learn from their mistakes and stay healthy.
What Will Happen Next Year?
On December 16, 2009, Landon Donovan extended his contract with Los Angeles until the 2013 season. However, the details of a possible loan to Everton are still not final. But should he go on loan it has been determined that it will be on a short-term basis. Meaning: Donovan will play the entire season with the Galaxy. Regardless if he go to the Barclay's Premier League or to another one, expect him in LA healthy and fit and ready to play.
There is a lot of returning talent next season, which means there will be less time for them to find their groove. Expect a big boom at the beginning of the season and return trip to the finals.
Jonathan Vera, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
Arena acknowledged that the struggling team still had some kinks to fix and that it would take some time before the team could get coordinated. Moreover, the skipper remained confident and optimistic the team would overcome their on-field woes.
However, the team's despair was not only due to new management and an uncoordinated batch of players, there was a long list of things that went wrong.
What Went Wrong?
Right from the beginning of the season, players were victims of injury. Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts suffered a groin injury, defender Todd Dunivant remained out as he recovered from off-season ankle surgery, forward Edson Buddle rehabbed a right quad strain, midfielder Eddie Lewis nursed a left hamstring strain, and this is just a few names from the long list of injuries.
As the season rolled along onto May, the Galaxy suffered a major loss as 2008 MLS rookie of the year, defender Sean Franklin endured a torn right hamstring tendon that required surgery and put him out for roughly four months.
As the season went forth, a cloud of controversy overshadowed the team.
The ugly feud between Beckham and Donovan started when inserts from Grant Wahl's book "Beckham Experiment: How the World's Most Famous Athlete Tried to Conquer America," were released. There, Landon Donovan made statements questioning the Englishman's commitment to the MLS and Galaxy.
This could not have come a worse time for David Beckham. He was on vacation following his long loan stint with AC Milan. Donovan acknowledged that, "The timing of it makes it a little awkward and seemingly uncomfortable."
Donovan strongly affirmed that he did not regret what he said, but instead, regretted the fashion in which it came out. This was a personal issue between two professional men, and as a result, thanks to Donovan who instead ranted to Wahl, it became a frenzy of controversy and a media circus.
Not only had the English international entered the spot light of controversy following Donovan comments over his commitment, but fans were still outraged from his long departure with AC Milan.
On his first return to the Home Depot Center, he was greeted with jeers and signs directing him to go home using rather colorful language. Furthermore, while taking a corner kick a fan crossed the line of heckling that ultimately led to a confrontation. The fan was arrested for trespassing after jumping from the bleachers onto the field. However, the bigger shock did not come until the 2009 MLS Cup final.
There is only one expression Galaxy fans had that Sunday in November, and that was complete and utter flabbergast, as Real Salt Lake pulled off the shock of the season by winning the Cup.
There was a nasty collision between goalie Donovan Ricketts and RSL striker Robbie Findley, which resulted in Ricketts breaking his hand. Ricketts decided to stay in the game – a move that may have cost Los Angeles the Cup.
If you look at the video of RSL Robbie Findley's goal, Ricketts is on the ground following a would-be save that was blocked by his defender. As he got up he put all his weight on his injured hand and dove for a save. I do not question his commitment: it appears he did not get full extension of his arm as he was in an insignificant amount of pain. As he fell, he was clutching onto his hand. This goal sent the game into overtime and eventually into the dreaded shootout.
This was anybody's game, it could go either way. But no one, not even RSL could have fathomed what was to come. Landon Donovan missed his PK! The MLS Most Valuable Player missed his PK! The six time Player of the Year missed his PK! The expression on his face following this disaster said it all. He did well by taking off his captain armband.
Josh Saunders (who replaced Ricketts following the RSL goal) did a valiant job protecting the net, but RSL goalie Nick Rimando was too good. Robbie Russell got the game winning goal and Real Salt Lake won their first MLS Cup.
What Went Right?
Though it took fan a while to forgive Beckham for his long departure, the club was ecstatic to have him. His return was a long awaited and long anticipated homecoming. Partly because over half the roster had never suited up with Beckham and were excited to play by his side.
Forward Alecko Eskandarian could not help but acknowledge what a great passer the Englishman was and admitted to being caught "flat-footed" after one of his passes.
Fellow midfield Chris Klein also recognized the incredible boost a world class player would bring to the club. All-in-all, everyone was excited to have Beckham back on the squad.
However, the public quickly learned to forgive and forget the midfielder as the Galaxy started winning games.
Following the All Star game at the end of July, the Galaxy went on an incredible run going 6-4-2. These late season heroic were just enough to earn them a place in the playoffs and edge out the Houston Dynamo to win the Western Conference Championship and have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
To add further icing on the cake, Landon Donovan was awarded his sixth Honda Player of the Year Award; a prize awarded to the best and brightest American international player of the year. This award ultimately makes him the American player of the decade. The trophy did not rest alone on the shelf for long as he was later named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player.
To further affirm the Galaxy's place in the playoffs, defender Omar Gonzalez was named the League's rookie of the year. This marked the second straight rookie of the year award to the Galaxy, Sean Franklin winning in the previous year.
Furthermore, head honcho Bruce Arena was named the 2009 coach of the year. All was going well for the Galaxy; however, there was still one award that eluded them – the MLS Cup.
What Should The Team Do Differently?
The only thing the organization should do differently is re-sign all their players. Last season had a rocky start mainly because of all the new faces on the squad. It always takes time for a new squad or a rebuilding team to find their groove on the field.
It took the team over half a season to find their winning ways. They are now comfortable with each other on the field and that is a special thing that should not be taken away. The rebuilding process is over. The team is set.
And, should a player have beef with a fellow teammate, he would do wise to not rant to a reporter but instead settle the issues with the other in closed doors.
What Changes Will Be Made?
Unlike last year, which was a rebuilding year, this year they will be set. There will be no testing-out phase when the team tries to find its stride. There are a lot of returning players and the only thing they have to focus on is staying healthy over the off-season break.
This was a major problem for them in last year's start and they would be wise to learn from their mistakes and stay healthy.
What Will Happen Next Year?
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There is a lot of returning talent next season, which means there will be less time for them to find their groove. Expect a big boom at the beginning of the season and return trip to the finals.
Jonathan Vera, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
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